9-1-1 Safety for kids

The following press release was issued by the city of McAlester regarding information about 911 that can be shared with area children.

9-1-1 Kids Need to Know:

Know what 9-1-1 is. 9-1-1 is the phone number you can call from any phone when you need help or you see someone who needs help right away.

Know when to call 9-1-1. You should only call when someone or something is hurt or in danger and you need a police officer, a firefighter, or a doctor.

Know what happens when you call 9-1-1. After you dial, the person who picks up on the other end will be someone who works at a 9-1-1 center and whose job it is to help you. They may ask you to do things to help or ask you questions. It is important that you follow their directions as best you can. They will send someone to wherever you are and stay on the phone with you until everyone is safe.

Never hang up. Even if you called 9-1-1 by accident, or if you think the problem has gone away, it is important that you stay on the phone until the call taker tells you it is alright to hang up. In situations where you aren’t able to talk or have to leave, keep the phone off the hook so the 9-1-1 operator can hear what is happening. Most times, they will be able to use the computers at the 9-1-1 center to find your address.

Memorize important things about you and your family. Being able to tell the 9-1-1 operator things like your address, your parents’ names, and your phone number will get help to you faster.

Know where you are. If you aren’t at home and don’t know the address where you are, look around and try to find a street sign or a building with a name on it so that the 9-1-1 operator knows your exact location.

Try not to be scared. When you call 9-1-1, you become the eyes and ears for the call taker. Help will get to you much faster if you stay calm and can tell the call taker everything that is happening and can answer all the call taker’s questions.